8 No-Frills Tennessee Catfish Shacks With Lines Full of Regulars

Tennessee knows catfish. All across the state, from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find no-frills restaurants serving up perfectly fried fillets with hushpuppies and sweet tea. These aren’t fancy spots—they’re the kind of places where locals line up every Friday night, where the menu hasn’t changed in decades, and where the fish is always fresh and crispy.

If you’re craving authentic Southern catfish with a side of hometown charm, these eight Tennessee shacks are where the regulars go.

1. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant (Shiloh)

Perched along the Tennessee River, this beloved spot has been serving golden-fried catfish since 1965. Regulars don’t just come for the food—they come for the riverside views and the warm, welcoming vibe that feels like visiting family. The catfish arrives piping hot with a light, crispy crust that doesn’t overpower the tender fish inside.

Hushpuppies here are legendary. Sweet, fluffy, and perfectly golden, they’re the kind that disappear before your main plate even arrives. Many locals order extra baskets to take home.

Whether you’re passing through Shiloh or live nearby, Hagy’s delivers the kind of catfish experience that keeps people coming back year after year.

2. Catfish House (Clarksville)

Friday nights in Clarksville mean one thing: crunchy catfish fillets and ice-cold sweet tea at this easygoing local favorite. The dining room fills up fast with regulars who’ve been coming here for decades, drawn by consistent quality and a menu that never tries to be anything it’s not. The catfish is always fresh, the breading always crisp, and the portions always generous.

What makes this place special isn’t flashy decor or trendy twists—it’s reliability. You know exactly what you’re getting every single time, and that’s exactly what folks want. The staff recognizes faces, remembers orders, and treats everyone like neighbors.

Sides are classic Southern comfort: coleslaw, fries, and beans that taste homemade. The atmosphere is cheerful and unpretentious, with booths filled with families, couples, and groups of friends catching up over dinner.

3. Uncle Bud’s Catfish Chicken & Such (Nashville)

Nashville regulars know the secret: when you can’t decide between catfish and fried chicken, Uncle Bud’s lets you have both. This Southern comfort spot specializes in the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and makes you smile. The catfish is meaty and flavorful, with a seasoned cornmeal coating that adds just the right amount of crunch.

Fried chicken here is equally famous, so many folks order the combo platter and get the best of both worlds. The chicken is juicy inside with a crispy, peppery skin that rivals any Nashville hot chicken joint—but without the wait or the hype.

The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a menu board that keeps things simple and a staff that moves fast even during the dinner rush. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be.

4. Catfish Cabin (Jackson)

The building might look modest from the highway, but locals know it’s a goldmine for perfectly crisp cornmeal-breaded catfish. The breading here is textbook: crunchy, golden, and seasoned just enough to enhance the fish without covering up its natural flavor.

Sweet tea flows freely, served in tall glasses that get refilled before you even ask. Service is quick and efficient, which is impressive considering how busy this place gets, especially on weekends. The staff has the routine down to a science, turning tables fast without making anyone feel rushed.

The menu is straightforward—catfish, sides, and dessert—because they’ve perfected what they do and see no reason to complicate it.

5. Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen (Sevierville)

Pawpaw’s puts a peppery, flavorful twist on classic fried catfish, giving it a bold crust that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. The remoulade sauce served alongside is creamy, tangy, and absolutely perfect for dipping.

Every bite feels like a Sunday supper at a Southern relative’s house—comforting, hearty, and made with care. The seasoning blend is what sets this place apart from other catfish shacks. It’s not just salt and pepper; there’s depth, warmth, and a little kick that keeps you reaching for more.

The dining room has a cozy, family-friendly vibe with wooden tables and walls decorated with local memorabilia. Regulars greet the staff by name, and newcomers are welcomed like old friends.

6. Huck Finn’s Catfish (Pigeon Forge)

All-you-can-eat catfish in Pigeon Forge? That’s the draw at Huck Finn’s, where first-timers quickly become regulars. The unlimited catfish is fresh, hot, and consistently delicious, making it easy to understand why people keep coming back for more. The breading is light and crispy, and the fish is tender and flaky inside.

Hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries come with every order, and yes, those are unlimited too. It’s a deal that’s hard to beat, especially when you’re feeding a hungry family after a day of exploring the Smokies. The staff keeps the plates coming without you having to ask, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

While Pigeon Forge is known for attractions and entertainment, Huck Finn’s proves that sometimes the best part of a trip is a simple, satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank.

7. Catfish Kitchen (Burns)

Pull off the road in Burns and you’ll find this classic catfish stop with snappy batter and a parking lot full of pickup trucks. The locals here don’t just eat and leave—they hang out, chat with neighbors, and turn a quick meal into a social event. The catfish is fried to order, so it’s always hot and crispy when it hits your plate.

The batter has a satisfying crunch that holds up even as you work your way through the meal. Seasoning is simple but effective, letting the quality of the fish shine through. Sides are traditional and well-prepared, nothing fancy but everything done right.

If you’re driving through Burns and craving authentic Tennessee catfish, this roadside gem is absolutely worth the stop.

8. Pickwick Catfish Farm Restaurant (Counce)

Situated near Pickwick Lake, this catfish spot offers something special: incredible views alongside incredible food. Regulars return season after season, drawn by the combination of lakeside scenery and perfectly fried catfish. The fish is fresh—often caught locally—and prepared with a light, crispy coating that lets the natural flavor shine.

Eating here feels like a mini vacation, even if you’re just stopping for lunch. The outdoor seating area is especially popular during warm weather, offering breezy views of the water while you dig into a heaping plate of catfish and hushpuppies. It’s peaceful, scenic, and delicious all at once.

The restaurant has a loyal following of fishermen, families, and travelers who make it a tradition to stop here whenever they’re in the area. The staff is friendly and efficient, and the menu offers plenty of options beyond catfish, though that’s clearly the star.